Trailblazer in Highlighting Funding Disparities among Historically Black Colleges and Universities: Remembering Earl Richardson

Visionary Leader Earl Richardson Dies at 81, Leaving Legacy of HBCU Equity

September 13, 2025

Earl Richardson, a champion for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), passed away on Saturday at the age of 81. He is remembered as the President of Morgan State University from 1984 to 2010 and as the driving force behind a pivotal 15-year legal battle that resulted in a important financial settlement for Maryland’s Black colleges.

The Landmark Lawsuit and its Impact

Richardson’s leadership culminated in a 2021 agreement where the state of Maryland pledged $577 million in supplemental funding over a decade to four HBCUs. This victory addressed longstanding concerns about systemic underfunding and unequal opportunities for these institutions.

The lawsuit, initiated in 2006, argued that Maryland had historically disadvantaged its Black colleges by concurrently establishing and bolstering similar programs at predominantly white universities. Plaintiffs maintained this created an uneven playing field for students and resources. David Burton, a key participant in the legal proceedings, likened the case to Brown v. Board of Education, emphasizing its significance in addressing educational inequities, but specifically focused on higher education.

A History of Advocacy and Student Activism

Richardson’s commitment to equity was evident long before the lawsuit.In 1990, Morgan State students occupied the management building for six days, protesting dilapidated campus conditions and outdated facilities. Edwin Johnson, a student protester at the time and now the university’s historian, recalls the administration initially being the target of their frustration. However, Richardson subtly guided them toward recognizing the state government as the ultimate source of the funding shortfall.

That student-led demonstration, culminating in a 34-mile march to Annapolis, highlighted the critical need for increased state support, paving the way for the future legal challenge.

Richardson’s Vision and Lasting Influence

Although Richardson, as a state employee, could not directly serve as a plaintiff, he was integral in establishing the Coalition for Equity and Excellence in Maryland Higher Education Inc. to represent the interests of the students and alumni. Burton described Richardson as “armed with history,” possessing an intimate understanding of the systemic challenges facing HBCUs.

His influence extended beyond the courtroom. During the trial, attempts were made to exclude Richardson from the proceedings, but his ancient expertise proved invaluable to the legal team. Following the settlement, Morgan state underwent a period of significant growth under Richardson’s leadership, with a doubled enrollment, expanded campus facilities, and the addition of new academic schools, including those focused on architecture and social work.

HBCU Funding: A National Issue

Richardson’s work brought national attention to the broader issue of funding disparities faced by HBCUs, which often rely heavily on federal, state, and local funding. According to a 2023 report by the American Council on Education, hbcus receive a larger proportion of their revenue from tuition and a smaller share from private donations and grants compared to other institutions.

Funding Source	HBCUs (Average %)	Non-HBCUs (Average %)
Tuition & Fees	49%	32%
Government Appropriations	26%	18%
Private Gifts & Grants	9%	24%

In 2008, Richardson testified before the U.S. house of representatives,emphasizing the vital mission of HBCUs to educate both high-achieving students and those who might otherwise lack access to higher education,but stressed the necessity of comparable resources.

Did You Know? HBCUs educate approximately 22% of all African American undergraduates in the United States, despite enrolling only 9% of the total student population.

Pro Tip: Support HBCUs through donations, scholarships, or by advocating for equitable funding policies at the state and federal levels.

The Ongoing Fight for HBCU Equity

Earl Richardson’s passing serves as a potent reminder of the continued need for advocacy and reform in higher education funding. While the Maryland settlement was a landmark achievement, disparities persist nationwide. Ongoing efforts focus on securing increased federal funding, addressing historical underinvestment, and ensuring that HBCUs have the resources necessary to thrive and fulfill their crucial mission.

Frequently Asked Questions About HBCU Funding

• What are HBCUs? Historically Black Colleges and Universities are institutions of higher education established before 1964 with the primary mission of educating African American students.
• Why is HBCU funding significant? Equitable funding ensures HBCUs can provide quality education and opportunities, contributing to social mobility and economic empowerment.
• What was the outcome of the Maryland HBCU lawsuit? The lawsuit resulted in a $577 million settlement to supplement funding for four Maryland HBCUs over ten years.
• How do HBCUs contribute to the national economy? HBCUs contribute billions of dollars to the U.S. economy annually and play a critical role in workforce advancement.
• what can I do to support HBCUs? You can donate to HBCUs, advocate for increased funding, and raise awareness about the importance of these institutions.
• What challenges still face HBCUs today? Despite progress, HBCUs continue to face challenges related to funding, infrastructure, and attracting and retaining students.
• What role did Earl Richardson play in the HBCU funding movement? Earl Richardson was a central figure who championed funding equality and successfully led a landmark lawsuit that highlighted funding disparities.

What are your thoughts on the importance of funding for Historically Black colleges and universities? Share your viewpoint in the comments below!

How did Earl richardson’s legal strategy in *Richardson v. Mississippi* differ from the approach taken in *Brown v. Board of Education*?

The Early Advocacy of Earl Richardson

Earl Richardson, a name often absent from mainstream narratives of the Civil rights Movement, was a pivotal figure in bringing the systemic funding disparities facing Historically Black Colleges and universities (HBCUs) to national attention. His work in the 1950s and 60s, largely through legal challenges, laid the groundwork for future advocacy and continues to resonate in contemporary discussions about higher education equity. Richardson wasn’t simply fighting for HBCUs; he was challenging the very foundations of segregated education and its financial underpinnings.

The Landmark Richardson v. Mississippi Case

Richardson’s most notable contribution stemmed from the Richardson v. Mississippi (1961) case. This wasn’t a direct challenge to segregation itself – Brown v.Board of Education had already addressed that. Instead, Richardson argued that if Mississippi insisted on maintaining segregated higher education, it was legally obligated to provide equal funding to its Black colleges.

* The core argument centered on the “seperate but equal” doctrine.

* Richardson meticulously documented the vast discrepancies in funding between Mississippi’s white universities and its hbcus, like Alcorn A&M College (now Alcorn State University).

* These disparities weren’t minor; thay encompassed everything from faculty salaries and library resources to infrastructure and research funding.

The Supreme Court, while upholding the legality of segregated systems for the time being, ruled in Richardson’s favor, stating that Mississippi must provide equal funding. This was a monumental, albeit limited, victory.It established a legal precedent forcing states to address the financial inequities inherent in segregated education.

Quantifying the Disparity: Richardson’s evidence

Richardson’s success wasn’t based on rhetoric alone. He presented compelling evidence, including:

1. Faculty Salaries: White university professors earned significantly more than their counterparts at HBCUs, even with comparable qualifications.
2. Infrastructure: HBCUs suffered from dilapidated buildings, inadequate laboratories, and limited classroom space.
3. Library Resources: Collections at white universities were far more extensive and up-to-date.
4. Program Offerings: White universities offered a wider range of academic programs, particularly in fields like medicine and law.
5. Research Funding: hbcus received minimal funding for research initiatives.

This detailed documentation highlighted the systemic nature of the problem – it wasn’t simply a matter of isolated incidents but a intentional pattern of underinvestment. The term educational inequity became increasingly prominent as a result of his work.

The Impact Beyond Mississippi: A Ripple Effect

The Richardson v. Mississippi ruling didn’t instantly solve the problem of HBCU underfunding. Though, it created a legal framework that activists and lawyers could use in other states.

* Similar lawsuits were filed in states like South Carolina, Georgia, and Louisiana, challenging funding disparities.

* The case also spurred increased scrutiny of state budgets and allocation of resources for higher education.

* It empowered HBCU alumni and advocates to demand greater financial support for their institutions.

The Continuing Struggle for HBCU Funding

Despite the progress made since Richardson’s time, funding gaps persist. Several factors contribute to this:

* Historical Legacy: The decades of underinvestment have created a significant backlog of deferred maintenance and infrastructure needs.

* State Funding Formulas: Many state funding formulas prioritize enrollment numbers,which often disadvantage smaller HBCUs.

* Endowment Disparities: HBCUs generally have significantly smaller endowments than their predominantly white counterparts.

* Limited Access to Federal Grants: Competition for federal research grants is fierce, and HBCUs often lack the resources to compete effectively.

Recent data from the Education Trust shows that, on average, HBCUs receive approximately $24,000 less per student than predominantly white institutions. This translates to fewer resources for student support services, academic programs, and faculty advancement.The fight for equitable funding continues.